Historicon '99 is just three days away, and we're almost done with this, the 50th issue of the ZOUAVE. Before I go on, I want to thank those that helped me with the design and production of this issue: my wife and studio partner, Frani, and designers Scott Tully and Amanda Alaks. A lot of hours go into producing a full-color magazine (scanning and color-correcting the photographs, designing the articles' headlines, etc.) and their helped shortened the time to get this issue out to you. I'm in their debt.

Also, I want to thank the contributors for their fine articles. Jim Dietz, the designer of the NATION ON TRIAL miniature rules, is back with a great article on a formula to create gaming scenarios. Many gamers love to use a point system to create the opposing sides, and Jim provides the method that any gamer can use. Jim's rules were nominated for an award at Origins '99, and wants everyone to know that if they're interested, they can order them at a 20% savings for a limited time. Thanks, Jim.

Remember John Hill's article on logistics two issues ago, and the great photos of the 10mm dioramas of City Point? Well, the photographer, Bernard Kempinski, is back with an article and photos, Bernard writes about that Union engineering genius, Herman Haupt, and the photos accompanying the article will make your eyes pop out. He may share his photography secrets one day (we hope, we hope!).

A Gettysburg scenario comes next. Specifically, the regimental-level fight for that prominent rocky area that is called the Devil's Den. Dale Bley, he who lives in the state where certain regiments of the Iron Brigade came from (hint: land of cheese), provides us with a scenario for a rules set about -- FIELDS OF HONOR -- that I understand is popular with the boys at THE LAST SQUARE in Madison, Wisconsin. I've never played these rules, but some of my friends had, and they liked them. Maybe Dale or one of our dear readers will write a review of this interesting rules system.

HUZZAH! Doug Kline is back after a taking some time off to have a baby (with the help of his wife, Karen, of course.) Doug gives us an article that reviews some of the many, many terrain accessories, such as buildings, fences, haystacks, wells, outbuildings, crops, that Musket Miniatures casts in 10, 15 & 22mm. Many of the buildings are used in the mini-dioramas that Doug produces under his business name, BTC (BATTLEFIELD TERRAIN CONCEPTS.) Consider buying or comissioning him for one of his works of creativity.

OK. Once you put your eye balls back into your sockets after seeing this issue's article by Doug, there's another scenario on Gettysburg. This one comes from the ONLY wargamer living in (the tropical paradise of) Papua, New Guinea. Yes, I wrote New Guinea. Jim O'Neill, a'displaced' Scot, writes how he games in the cool shade of the palm trees, and even provides a unique scenario for battling Gettysburg using FIRE & FURY rules and 40mm figures from the FOUNDRY. Jim would love to hear from gamers so drop him a line. Maybe he would consider hosting a wargaming convention (tropical shirts optional.)

We have an announcement of some new castings from the Land of 10k Lakes. Joel Gregory, of J&T MINIATURES, has sculpted some new 25mm models that can be used as markers to show the condition or status of your units. These are marketed under the CONNOISSEUR name, and Joel wants everyone to know that many of the ACW figures are still available from this venerable line.

From our cousin north of the border, Curt Campbell writes more large 25mm figurines sent for review. This time, from Steven Phillips of the FIRING LINE, he reviews the first of his Zouaves. These figures are great, IMHO, and I'm glad to see the tactic on Steven and his partner's part of sculpting firing and loading poses. Excellent for use with BROTHER AGAINST BROTHER and other skirmish-type games. In addition, Curt reviews some of the Confederate cavalry that were released recently by the FOUNDRY. They'd make Nathan Bedford proud, I'd think. Great job, Curt.

Finally, I'd like to say that the ranks of the ZOUAVE are steadily growing. I appreciate all your support and hope that you'll be satisfied for many years.

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